Page 20 of The Bear’s Second Chance Mate (Bear Creek Forever: Thornberg Vineyard #5)

Morning light painted the vineyard gold, making each leaf and tendril shine as if dipped in honey.

Hmm, honey, his bear murmured, happy at the thought of them spending the whole day with June and Oli.

Stanley wiped his palms against his jeans, surveying the preparations with a critical eye.

Everything had to be perfect today. His brothers had already arranged the long harvest tables beneath the sprawling oak trees, their weathered wood surfaces ready for the feast to come after the work was done.

Crates for collecting grapes sat stacked nearby, and pitchers of cold lemonade and wine waited in the shade.

He’d been a part of these harvests since he was born.

Yes, even before he could walk, his mom or dad would carry him in a papoose as they picked the grapes that made the Thornberg wine so special.

“You’re hovering like a mother hen,” Finn called out, lugging another bench into position. “Relax. It’s just grape picking, not a royal visit.”

Stanley ignored him, adjusting a tablecloth that had shifted in the breeze. His bear stirred restlessly. Because to them, June and Oli were more important than royalty.

She’ll be here soon, he reminded him unnecessarily.

Stanley glanced toward the quiet corner he’d set up in a corner of the vineyard. He’d brought his four goats for Oli to meet if he needed some downtime.

His bear chuckled. If they get loose and eat the vines, Philip will never let you forget it.

They won’t get loose, Stanley said, hoping he was right. In hindsight, he might not have thought his choice of animal for the quiet corner through enough. But then, since he’d claimed June, everything had been a little fuzzy.

In some ways, he could understand Oli a lot better now.

His own thoughts, hopes, and dreams for a life with his mate came at him all at once—bright, tangled, impossible to sort.

It was overwhelming, the way it pressed in from every side, filling his mind until it was hard to think about anything else.

But his brothers had assured him it would get easier.

That the intensity would fade, and the joy would remain.

Not that he would ever take his mate for granted.

She’s here, his bear said as they sensed June in the distance.

Stanley kept his shifter senses locked onto her until June’s car rolled to a stop next to the house. Then he strode to meet her, trying to look relaxed.

But when June got out of the car and smiled, it took all his resolve not to run headlong toward her. To wrap his arms around her and hold her close. However, until Oli knew about their relationship, they had agreed to play it cool.

“Morning,” he called and raised his hand to wave.

“And what a beautiful morning it is,” June replied.

It’s not just the morning that’s beautiful, his bear sighed.

June wore a simple sundress that clung to her curves in all the right places, and the sight made his mouth go dry.

Then Oli tumbled from the backseat, already pointing excitedly at the rows of vines stretching across the hillside.

Barb emerged last, sunglasses firmly in place, lips pursed, but there was something different about her today.

The rigid set of her shoulders had softened slightly.

She’s still scary, his bear said.

Stanley reached the car, unable to keep the smile from his face. “Welcome to Thornberg Vineyard.”

“It’s incredible,” June replied, her voice filled with wonder as she took in the sweeping vista of vines and mountains beyond.

Oli bounced on his toes. “Are those grapes? Real ones? Can I pick them?”

Stanley crouched down to Oli’s level. “Those are definitely real grapes. And we need all the help we can get picking them today. Think you’re up for the job?”

Oli nodded solemnly, accepting the responsibility with wide eyes.

“Good morning, Barb,” Stanley added, straightening to face June’s aunt.

Barb lowered her sunglasses just enough to fix him with a look. “Morning, Thornberg. Impressive place you have here.”

Before he could respond, a shout came from the main house. Stanley’s mother emerged onto the porch, waving enthusiastically.

“You must be June!” she called, hurrying down the steps. “And Oli! We’ve heard so much about you both.”

Stanley felt heat creep up his neck as his mother enveloped June in a warm hug, then bent to greet Oli with the perfect balance of friendliness and respect for the boy’s space.

“And Barb,” his mother continued, her smile never faltering. “It’s been too long. We’re thrilled you came.”

Something flashed across Barb’s face, too quick to name, before she nodded. “Leanne. You look well.”

“Thank you. Would you like a cold drink before we begin?” Leanne asked and led them toward the shade of the trees.

Stanley’s bear shifted uneasily. Let’s hope things go smoothly when Barb meets Dad.

I guess we’ll soon find out, Stanley said as he caught sight of his father emerging from the vineyard, pruning shears in hand.

Hugo Thornberg broke into a smile as he spotted the new arrivals. “Welcome, welcome.” He greeted June and Oli and then turned to Barb. “Good to see you, Barb. It’s been too long.”

“Hugo,” Barb said and then sipped her lemonade.

“Is it time to pick the grapes?” Oli asked as he clung close to June, his untouched glass in his hand.

“Keen to get started. That’s what I like to hear,” Hugo said. “Why don’t we go and grab a basket, and you can help me fill it?” Oli stared at Hugo for a long moment and then nodded. “This way.” Together, Oli and Hugo chose a basket and headed for the first row of vines.

Barb sure has her eye on them, Stanley noted as June’s aunt half-turned to watch them.

I hope they can resolve things today, his bear replied. I want us all to get along.

Thankfully, I believe that’s what we all want, Stanley said.

“Are you going to show me what to do?” June asked, coming to join him.

“Sure, let’s grab a basket.” Stanley took her hand, and he raised it to his lips and kissed it.

“Barb,” Finn said as he helped himself to a glass of lemonade. “Shall we pair up and pick some grapes?”

“Ah, the brother who is responsible for my niece meeting Stanley,” Barb said, her eyes narrowing.

“Guilty as charged.” Finn held up his hands and smiled in his usual good-natured way. But as he and Barb went over to the stack of baskets, Stanley was filled with sadness. He hoped his brother would find his mate soon and not end up lonely like Barb.

We’re going to make sure he gets his own matchmaking mix-up , Stanley’s bear promised him.

The morning unfolded like a carefully choreographed dance as they all joined in the harvest. Stanley’s family embraced June and Oli as if they’d always been part of the Thornberg gatherings.

His nephews and nieces immediately adopted Oli as one of their own.

Especially Charlie, who introduced him to the world of bugs, which Oli found fascinating.

Stanley found himself constantly drawn to June, watching as she laughed with his sisters-in-law, her hands stained purple from juice as she worked. Each time their eyes met across the vineyard, he experienced a deep sense of gratitude.

This is right, his bear hummed. This is how it should be.

As the sun climbed higher, Stanley noticed Barb and his father working side by side between the rows of vines. Their movements were awkward at first, careful not to intrude on each other’s space. But as the morning wore on, they fell into a rhythm that spoke of old familiarity.

“So this is what you’ve been doing all these years,” Barb said, lifting a ripe bunch of grapes and examining them. “You always seemed a bit too wild and carefree to tend vines.”

Hugo chuckled, wiping sweat from his brow. “This is where my heart always belonged.”

Stanley moved closer, pretending to check the ripeness of nearby clusters. He didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but his shifter hearing caught most of their conversation.

“I can see why,” Barb replied as she straightened up and put her hand on the small of her back. “But I always thought you would go off and explore the world. It’s all you used to talk about.”

There was a pause. Then Hugo said quietly, “I did, with Leanne.”

“Your mate,” Barb said.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Hugo turned to face Barb. “And if I am honest, I didn’t even know I had.”

“I thought you felt something for me once,” Barb said, her voice stripped of its usual sharpness.

His father’s response was gentle. “I cared about you. I still do. But the moment I saw Leanne...well, you know how it is.”

Stanley glanced up to see Barb’s eyes drift toward where he stood with June, who had appeared at his side with a basket of freshly picked grapes. Barb’s expression softened, a new understanding dawning in her eyes.

“Now I do,” she said simply.

“June and Stanley?” Hugo asked.

Barb shifted her weight and sighed. “Yes. Now I can see I read more into our relationship than I should have . I’m just happy June has found a man who will stand by her and who will love Oli as his own.”

“He does,” Hugo said with a smile.

“So, do we get to taste the wine, too?” Barb asked as she went back to picking the grapes.

“Oh, yes. I have a special bottle picked out for this evening, when all the work is done,” Hugo said.

“It had better be special if I have to work all day for a glass,” Barb said in return.

“You have not changed a bit, Barb,” Hugo said.

“I’m not sure that is a good thing,” Barb replied wryly.

“It is,” Hugo said. “I have missed you.”

“Yeah, I missed you, too,” Barb said.

Happy ending! his bear said.

Thank goodness, Stanley replied.

June nudged his shoulder. “You’re staring. Is everything okay?”

Stanley nodded, unable to stop the smile spreading across his face. “Everything’s perfect.”

He leaned in and kissed her, drawing her into his arms. The sensation of her body against his sent a rush of pleasure through him, and she melted into him, her lips soft and yielding.

When they parted, June’s cheeks were flushed pink, her eyes bright. “What was that for?”

“Because I can,” Stanley whispered, still holding her close. “Because you’re mine.”